Would you bid on this one from China?

Rickc300

I dunno, I hate private feedbacks, worry about sellers from China in general and it's more than I want to spend... Having said that... Link to auction
What do you think? Thanks for your thoughts, it's pretty cool looking anyway in my book...

Rick

MadMuffin

Although I'm unsure if the coin is a fake I'd stay away. Several fairly new Chinese sellers have this phrase in their auction:

"It is extremely rare to have the high degree collects and keep the worth a work! The opportunity that do not miss the winning it."

That alone makes me suspicious. I would assume it's the same seller that somehow has several accounts to use in case one gets shut down. And why would a seller make such an arrangement?

Marcel

satootoko

IF, and that's a very big if, the weight is correct, and the seller confirms a reasonable return policy, and it fit my collecting needs, I might give it a shot. The wide rims typical of Chinese fakes aren't there, the denticles look pretty good, and it doesn't have the soapy color or the bubbly cast surface also typical of the fakes.

satootoko

<< <i>"It is extremely rare to have the high degree collects and keep the worth a work! The opportunity that do not miss the winning it."

That alone makes me suspicious. I would assume it's the same seller that somehow has several accounts to use in case one gets shut down. >>

On the other hand, they could all be using the same Chinese to English translation site.

sumnom

It may be that Chinese sellers are using a set phrase in Chinese that is getting put through some translation software so it comes out the same every time. I have had some communications with Asian and European sellers that were clearly put through translation software so this could be the same thing happening here.

I agree with Satootoko that coin in the image looks pretty good.

I would suggest going for it. The seller's feedback looks quite good.

sumnom

sumnom

<< <i>

<< <i>"It is extremely rare to have the high degree collects and keep the worth a work! The opportunity that do not miss the winning it."

That alone makes me suspicious. I would assume it's the same seller that somehow has several accounts to use in case one gets shut down. >>

On the other hand, they could all be using the same Chinese to English translation site. >>



Great minds think alike!

lordmarcovan

Chinese seller, one neg already for a counterfeit... no thanks.

Preussen

Why risk it? It’s a common piece; I’d look for one from a known, reputable seller. Personally, I wouldn't touch this one at any price. JMO - Preussen

3Mark

Like Pruessen said and there are at least 4 on German ebay and I would guess I would find several on lists from German dealers. Common coin and I know where a proof 63± is now and for sell.3Mark

SYRACUSIAN

Common coin and I know where a proof 63± is now and for sell.3Mark



Why am I not surprised?


As for the coin, it looks lightly cleaned, unless it's the fault of the scan.

TwoKopeiki

Dimitri, what about that Drachma that the seller has listed? Any red flags about it?

Myself, unless it's an extremelly rare issue and a solid return policy, I tend to stay away from anything originating in China.

Doogy

here is my impression of it:

I've seen his auctions many times when i'm doing keyword searches, and he frequently has this material. Yes, he has one counterfeit feedback and that is enough for me. After all, look at Centsles and others on ebay that are Power Screwers that have racked up thousands of positive feedbacks when they have been selling self-slabbed garbage that is cleaned and/or overgraded. These victims either don't realize that they are overpaying or don't seem to care.

There is a LOT of nice world and US stuff going over to Chinese collectors. You gotta' know that all this money we are paying them for all of their products are going to hit our hobby too. Many of these people are buying up the nice stuff; i know a US collector of nice British milled stuff that has been sending a lot of stuff over there, and US dealers have reported the same. Also, they have been having coin shows in China that have a one day turnout larger than a multiple day FUN or ANA show here in the US. My point is, there are a lot of serious collectors over there, and more being made every day; however, there are still lots of dishonest people selling fakes on ebay too. The problem is seperating the honest lot from the selling peddling counterfeit garbage.

Scavenger

$28.00 USD shipping + $3 USD Insurance from a seller in China with a 98.7% feedback rating.

RUN FOREST RUN!!!

SYRACUSIAN

Roman, I hadn't even noticed that he was selling a Greek 5 drachmai. His photos are too small and slightly blurry to detect anything else than an unclear definition of the rim on the reverse and a poor Fine example that can be easily located upto AU conditions without having to order it from China.

sumnom

You guys will condemn a seller for single neg? Now, I don't know if this guy is legit or not but I think you all are being a bit too worried about his being Chinese. I have bought from sellers in China maybe a half dozen times and never had a problem. I have seen plenty of terrible sellers from China and from the US for that matter ("Could be a Prussia"). If you like the image you see and you are willing to pay the price then go ahead. Is there some risk? Sure. Buying a coin you cannot see in-hand is risky. Make your decision based on the coin he offers and the price he asks and, perhaps to a lesser extent, the qualities of his other auctions. There are legitimate sellers in China and in the case of this individual, the overwhelming majority of his customers have been satisfied in their dealings with him. I can't promise that he won't rip you off but this does not strike me as an obvious run-don't-walk case.

Stork

Just to be a little contrary (it's fun!) --and please note I haven't looked at the auctions at all yet-- our own Airplanenut has a negative from a buyer who alleged a counterfeit (an idiot buyer who didn't make any attempt to contact him or anything, just flung a neg).

edited to add: and he's a powerseller

Hussulo

Item location: ??, ??, China
I don't like listings with ?'s in them.

Preussen

<< <i>You guys will condemn a seller for single neg? Now, I don't know if this guy is legit or not but I think you all are being a bit too worried about his being Chinese. I have bought from sellers in China maybe a half dozen times and never had a problem. I have seen plenty of terrible sellers from China and from the US for that matter ("Could be a Prussia"). If you like the image you see and you are willing to pay the price then go ahead. Is there some risk? Sure. Buying a coin you cannot see in-hand is risky. Make your decision based on the coin he offers and the price he asks and, perhaps to a lesser extent, the qualities of his other auctions. There are legitimate sellers in China and in the case of this individual, the overwhelming majority of his customers have been satisfied in their dealings with him. I can't promise that he won't rip you off but this does not strike me as an obvious run-don't-walk case. >>

The negative is for selling a fake. Personally, I'll pass on sellers from China every time; that'll leave more for you -Preussen

Rickc300

I decided to pass on this one for now and wait for an example from someone I know... The lettering looks weak on AMALIE KOENIGIN which is what I was questioning more than anything else. Personally I think it looks OK and is probably a legit coin but everything combined together and with everyones imput has made up my mind for me.

Just a note, I have purchased three coins from sellers in China and two are residing in plastic now. So there are some good ones in addition to the fakes and scam artists there...

Thanks everyone!
Rick

lordmarcovan

<< <i>You guys will condemn a seller for single neg? >>

No, but the fact is, if the neg is for an alleged counterfeit and the seller is from China, that is enough for me. Unfair? Yes, a bit. It's unfair to paint all Chinese sellers with the same brush. But not entirely unfounded.

Look at it this way. Would you do international bank transfers at the request of someone from Nigeria? I think not.

DoubleEagle59

don't forget, the coin could be that of a genuine coin, but could be a phtoshopped picture from another source.

I always stay away from Chinese coin dealers from Ebay. Just too many that sell counterfeit and fake photo items!!

lordmarcovan

<< <i> Just to be a little contrary (it's fun!) --and please note I haven't looked at the auctions at all yet-- our own Airplanenut has a negative from a buyer who alleged a counterfeit (an idiot buyer who didn't make any attempt to contact him or anything, just flung a neg). >>

You play the devil's advocate well, Cathy.

True enough. And that crossed my mind.



<< <i>Item location: ??, ??, China
I don't like listings with ?'s in them. >>

That could just be some character(s) that the computer didn't translate. I mean, I see it a lot, and have often wondered if it's just the computer making those question marks?

sumnom

How many of you have actually been cheated by Chinese sellers on ebay?

lordmarcovan

Touché.

I haven't.

I've only had one or two transactions to China (and I don't even think they were mainland China), but they went OK.

satootoko

<< <i>How many of you have actually been cheated by Chinese sellers on ebay? >>

I think the only reason I haven't been is that I only buy from Chinese sellers who have been recommended to me by successful buyers, and I don't consider buying anything that I'm not very familiar with.

sumnom

I don't buy on ebay anymore but when I did I only got screwed once or twice by US sellers who were selling counterfeit Chinese coins. I kid you not. When I got the coins in hand and then looked at auction images I realized that I should have know from the start. I love learning experiences, really....

Preussen

<< <i>How many of you have actually been cheated by Chinese sellers on ebay? >>

I haven't, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't buy from sellers in China and I don't sell to bidders in China. Interpret this any way you wish...It's my choice and my right. -Preussen

Dentuck

Rickc300, I agree with your comment on the coin itself. That was also my first observation: the high-relief central portraiture appears to be unworn, but the lower-relief lettering of the legend is weak. That's an unusual wear pattern for an authentic commemorative crown or medal.

Also, the N in KOENIG is "fatty," to use a Bill Fivaz term from the United States Gold Counterfeit Detection Guide.

coinkat

no...

sumnom

<< <i>

<< <i>How many of you have actually been cheated by Chinese sellers on ebay? >>

I haven't, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't buy from sellers in China and I don't sell to bidders in China. Interpret this any way you wish...It's my choice and my right. -Preussen >>



Far be it from me to trample upon your rights!

Preussen

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>How many of you have actually been cheated by Chinese sellers on ebay? >>

I haven't, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't buy from sellers in China and I don't sell to bidders in China. Interpret this any way you wish...It's my choice and my right. -Preussen >>



Far be it from me to trample upon your rights! >>

Good idea. -Preussen

sumnom

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>How many of you have actually been cheated by Chinese sellers on ebay? >>

I haven't, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't buy from sellers in China and I don't sell to bidders in China. Interpret this any way you wish...It's my choice and my right. -Preussen >>



Far be it from me to trample upon your rights! >>

Good idea. -Preussen >>



I've got a lot of good ideas, P. Maybe someday I'll let you in on some of them.

farthing

I see no red flags in the sellers feedback or in the image of the coin. If this was an area that I collected in I would know more about the price and availability of this coin, but lacking that I see not reason that would prompt me to not bid on the coin.

Preussen

<< <i>I've got a lot of good ideas, P. Maybe someday I'll let you in on some of them. >>

Save them for someone who cares. -Preussen

sumnom

Your loss, P.

Preussen

<< <i>Your loss, P. >>

Yeah, right...whatever. -Preussen

sumnom

P, I think you would agree that this exchange represents an unusual lapse of civility for the Darkside. Shall we wrap it up continue on in a gentlemanly fashion?

Preussen

<< <i>P, I think you would agree that this exchange represents an unusual lapse of civility for the Darkside. Shall we wrap it up continue on in a gentlemanly fashion? >>

Yes, and I accept your apology -Preussen

sumnom

Oh, so close!

Shall we try again?

TwoKopeiki

Come now, guys - tis the season to be jolly

In the end - it all come to personal measure of risk vs reward. Many factors influence that decision - whether you've been "burned" by a Chinese seller before, how much of an expert you are in the series to have confidence enough to identify a counterfeit, the price of the coin, return policy, feedback, etc...

That's why some stay away from anything Chinese, while to others it's just another eBay seller...

In any case, let's stick to

sumnom

I am willing to be jolly. Really, I am.